Ranger-led Hike to Crack in the Rocks at Big South Fork

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announced this past week a ranger-led interpretive hike to the Crack in the Rocks on a portion of the Blue Heron Loop on Wednesday, June 10th. The park invites participants to come and enjoy a hike with Ranger Don Tertrick starting from the Blue Heron Interpretive Center to learn more about the natural and geological features of Big South Fork and the diverse landscape of the Blue Heron Community. This fun, fact-filled hike begins promptly at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on June 10th at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center located at 8249 Mine 18 Road, Strunk, Kentucky.

This ranger-led hike is free of charge. The park asks that participants wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear and bring plenty of water. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult. Everyone is welcome.

For directions or additional information, please call the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at (606) 376-3787.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

HISTOIRE : Le génocide des Hereros et des Namas !

Salut à tous,

Du site Jeune Afrique : 

   ¨ Cent dix ans après, le génocide des Hereros et des Namas, l'un des épisodes les plus noirs de l'histoire africaine, reste méconnu. Élise Fontenaille-N'Diaye publie deux livres essentiels qui rappellent les faits.

   "Là-bas, un soldat allemand trouva un bébé herero d'environ neuf mois qui gisait dans les buissons, pleurant. Il l'a amené dans le camp où j'étais. Là, les soldats ont formé un cercle et se sont lancé l'enfant comme s'il s'agissait d'un ballon. L'enfant était blessé, terrifié, et pleurait. Au bout d'un moment, ils en ont eu assez, et un des soldats, après avoir fixé sa baïonnette à son fusil, a dit qu'il allait l'attraper. L'enfant fut lancé vers lui et le soldat l'a rattrapé en l'embrochant sur sa baïonnette."

Le Sud-Ouest africain : camp d`entraînement des futurs nazis !

   La litanie des noms que l'on retrouve parle d'elle-même. En 1885, le gouverneur envoyé par Bismarck comme haut-commissaire du Reich s'appelle Heinrich Göring : c'est le grand-père d'Hermann, futur proche de Hitler. Quant à Eugen Fischer, le médecin anthropologue qui débarque à Swakopmund vers l'âge de 30 ans, il a été formé par Alfred Ploetz, le fondateur de l'eugénisme allemand, et son ennemi principal est le métissage, qui entraînerait la dégénérescence de la race blanche. Ses idées, qu'il pense confirmées par les mesures de crânes, donneront naissance à un livre, Fondements de l'hérédité humaine et principes d'hygiène raciale, dont de nombreux passages se retrouvent dans Mein Kampf... Pis, le principal disciple de Fischer sera un certain Josef Mengele - le tristement célèbre "médecin" d'Auschwitz...

¨Bien trop horrible pour être écrit¨ !

    En Afrique du Sud, mais aussi à Berlin, quelques protestations se font entendre. En 1905, un missionnaire allemand, Friedrich Vedder, écrit : "Je ne puis donner les détails des atrocités dont j'ai été le témoin, particulièrement sur les femmes et les enfants. Très souvent, c'est bien trop horrible pour être écrit." De mauvais gré, l'empereur envoie Friedrich von Lindequist remplacer Von Trotha... et achever discrètement le travail. Ce qu'il fait, tout en donnant corps à ses rêves d'amoureux de la nature en créant le parc national d'Etosha, en 1907¨...  ( Voir l`article au complet )

http://ift.tt/1wSyzGL

Pégé

Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows Vista / Ubuntu 10.04 LTS / Voyager 11.10 / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.

( SI TU NE SAIS PAS, DEMANDE... SI TU SAIS, PARTAGE ! )

Throwback Thursday

In order to reach their traditional hunting grounds on the Great Plains, the Arapaho and Ute Indians traveled across Rocky Mountain National Park using east-west routes such as Trail Ridge, Forest Canyon, Fall River and Flattop Mountain. To the Arapaho Indians, the Flattop Mountain corridor was known as “The Big Trail”. A modern pathway was formally constructed in 1925, was rehabilitated by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, and is now currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Flattop Mountain Trail is considered to be one of the most popular day hikes in the national park.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Climbing Longs Peak

It dominates the horizon in northern Colorado. It's been photographed by Ansel Adams, has been featured on the Colorado state quarter, and is the most-climbed fourteener in Colorado. At 14,259 feet Longs Peak is also the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is the only mountain in the park to exceed 14,000 feet.

I once "attempted" to summit Longs Peak. I got about two hundred yards or so above The Keyhole and discovered that I really wasn't a mountaineer. I thought the sheer drop-offs from the trail along that narrow stretch were downright frightening. Although many people summit the mountain each summer, many others are satisfied just to reach The Keyhole. Although a very tough day hike, the views are quite spectacular along the way, as well as from The Keyhole itself. Moreover, hikers don't have to worry about falling off the mountain to get there!

In the video below the editors of Backpacker Magazine take viewers on a vicarious climb to the top of Longs Peak. You be the judge - would you do this?





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Gear Review: The New Dare 2B Stalwart Jacket

This morning I finally had the opportunity to test the Stalwart Jacket, a new line of outdoor apparel from Dare 2B, an outdoor clothing company out of the United Kingdom. In addition to cycling, running and snow sports, the clothing company also focuses on apparel for hikers.

And, just in time for the spring and summer season, Dare 2B has launched a new line of active wear which now includes its new Body Seamless technology, which is designed to reduce friction in critical areas during active sports, while ensuring that you'll have maximum comfort at all times and at all levels of activity. As part of this new line is the brand new Stalwart Jacket.

Dare 2B touts the jacket as "the ultimate fast and light defense from the elements". This 4-way stretch shell is waterproof, breathable and is super lightweight. The jacket features taped seams, has a full front zip and underarm zips for ventilation, an adjustable shockcord hem system, multiple pockets, adjustable cuffs, a shaped hood with a technical wired peak to keep the rain out, and has a roll away hood function.

So after hanging in my closet for a couple of weeks, I finally had the opportunity to give the jacket a real live field test this morning. I was waiting for the opportunity to take a walk in the rain to see if the jacket lived up to its billing. Overall I was very pleased.

During my somewhat brisk half-hour walk around the neighborhood in a steady rain, the jacket kept me completely dry. Moreover, at 65 degrees, I worried that I was going to overheat inside the jacket. To my surprise this didn't happen. In fact, I felt completely comfortable during the entire circuit. This surprised me because the jacket is thicker than a standard shell, and even has a light lining. Now, if I had to climb some substantial elevation in these same conditions, the result might be a little different. That, however, remains to be seen.

I also thought that the wired peak feature on the hood was a plus, acting similarly to that of a baseball cap.

My only real complaint with the Stalwart Jacket is with the design of the hood. When turning my head from side to side, the hood wouldn't move. To remedy this I had to pull the hood with my hand in order to see on either side of me.

Americans will also have to get used to the zipper being switched to the opposite side. Maybe its because I'm left-handed, but it takes a little practice to get used to the English/European version. Potential customers should also note that the Stalwart Jacket is cut a little more slimmer than their American cousins.

All in all I thought this was a great jacket, and look forward to using it in the mountains when the weather turns sour.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Celebrate National Trails Day 2015 at Shenandoah National Park

Celebrate American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® in Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, June 6, 2015. In partnership with Shenandoah National Park, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) invites new hikers and experienced backpackers to learn new trail skills at PATC Trail Patrol's "Beyond the Trailhead" event at Byrd Visitor Center (milepost 51 on Skyline Drive) from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. Come join guided hikes and hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a paradise for hikers. There are trails for every goal, from a stroll on the Limberlost Trail to an excursion on the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy the rewards and challenges of hiking to mountain summits and cascading waterfalls, while reconnecting with family, friends and yourself.

The National Trails Day® event is designed to give novice hikers the information they need to leave their cars behind and venture beyond the trailhead to enjoy Shenandoah National Park's numerous hiking trails. Experienced hikers can discuss new ideas with PATC members at displays on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and wilderness first aid techniques. Everyone can participate in a hands-on demonstration of the traditional tools used to maintain trails in wilderness, such as crosscut saws, provided by the Shenandoah National Park trail crew throughout the day.

A variety of hikes guided by experienced Trail Patrol members will be offered for people of all ages and experience levels: hikes suitable for families with children as well as easy, moderate, and advanced hikes for adults. Hikers will need to meet at the registration table at Byrd Visitor Center 15 minutes before the hike time to sign in. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season, and bring food and plenty of water for all hikes and a trail lunch for the advanced hikes.

The following hikes will meet at Byrd Visitor Center. Vehicle shuttles may be involved.

* Story of the Forest Trail / Easy / 1.8 miles / 10:00 a.m.

* Appalachian Trail Ramble / Easy / 2.0 miles / 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* Dark Hollow Falls Hike / Moderate / 2.0 miles / 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* Rose River-Dark Hollow Falls / Advanced / 4.0 miles / 10:00 a.m.

* Rapidan Camp National Historic Landmark / Advanced / 4.0 miles / 9:45 a.m.

Pre-registration is encouraged but you may also register on June 6 at Byrd Visitor Center. To pre-register, send an email to TPNTD@patc.net by June 3. Please include your name and which hike you wish to join.

PATC and Trail Patrol are charging no fees to attend or participate in any hike, workshop, or demonstration connected with the event;however, there is a $20-per-car entrance fee to the park (good for seven days). Byrd Visitor Center lies within the park at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive. For more information about the event, visit the PATC website at www.patc.net or contact Trail Patrol at TPNTD@patc.net. For more information on the park, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/shen. To see a list of scheduled ranger programs, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Big South Fork Presents Healthy Hike on May 29th on the Middle Creek Trail

In celebration of the National Park Service's upcoming centennial, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a Healthy Hike on Friday, May 29, on the Middle Creek Trail. Participants should meet at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) at the Middle Creek Trailhead off the Divide Road. This ranger-led hike of 3.5 miles will traverse mild to moderate terrain on one of Big South Fork's first trails. Middle Creek holds some of the park's most beautiful rock shelters and some threatened plant species. Participants should wear weather appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome.

Healthy Hikes provide the public with ranger-led activities that will allow park visitors to improve their fitness and provide the opportunity to further discover national parks. For more information, please contact the visitor center at (423) 286-7275.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Throwback Thursday

At one time (and may continue today) there was an old Swiss custom of placing bells on mountain tops and passes in order to allow hikers and horseback riders to ring loud bells in the mountains. During the early years of the park, Glacier National Park was promoted as the answer to Americans leaving the country to vacation in the Swiss Alps. In addition to building several Swiss style chalets around the park, the Great Northern Railway and the Glacier Park Hotel Company requested permission to place locomotive bells on the summits of several passes in Glacier. In September of 1926 the request was finally granted to place bells at Swiftcurrent Pass, Piegan Pass and Siyeh Pass. Three years later a fourth bell was added at Scenic Point. The bells remained in place until the fall of 1943, at which point they were removed by the hotel company and donated to a World War II scrap metal drive. Today, each of those four passes remain as some of the best hiking destinations in the park.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Aggressive Bear Forces Closure of Mt. LeConte Backcountry Shelter and Cliff Tops Trail

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed Mt. Le Conte Backcountry Shelter and trails to the popular Cliff Tops area due to bear activity until further notice. At this time, trails leading to the summit of Mt. Le Conte remain open, but hikers are strongly encouraged to hike in tight groups of three or more and carry bear spray. Park wildlife staff are currently stationed onsite to monitor the situation.

On Sunday, May 17, one of the park's Wildlife Technicians encountered an aggressive bear near the trail to Cliff Tops that persistently approached and followed him for 0.3 mile. Loud noises and attempts from the trained ranger to scare the bear did not deter the bear’s repeated threatening advance. The bear followed him to the LeConte Lodge area before retreating into the forest.

"Hiking in bear country requires caution at all times," said Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan. "We seldom fully close trail areas, but the unusually aggressive behavior exhibited by this bear warrants action by staff and special precautions by hikers."

Park officials urge everyone to exercise caution while hiking, camping, and picnicking to ensure their personal safety and to protect bears. Black bears in the park are wild and unpredictable. Though rare, attacks on humans do occur, causing injuries or death. Hikers are always encouraged hike in groups, closely control children, and carry bear spray. Taking these precautions become especially important when a notably aggressive bear is identified by park officials in an area.

Bears should never be fed and all food waste should be properly disposed to discourage bears from approaching people. Feeding, touching, disturbing, and willfully approaching wildlife within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces wildlife, are illegal in the park. If approached by a bear, visitors should slowly back away to put distance between the animal and themselves, creating space for the animal to pass. If the bear continues to approach, rangers recommend that you stand your ground together as a group and do not run. Hikers should make themselves look large and throw rocks or sticks at the bear. If attacked by a black bear, rangers strongly recommend fighting back with any object available and remember that the bear may view you as prey.

For more information on what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking, please visit the park website. To report a bear incident, please call 865-436-1230.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

GLENLIVET ou le défi industriel du whisky !

Salut à tous,  

Du site Slate.fr :

   ¨ L’affolante demande mondiale pour les simples malts est un défi pour les distilleries. Celles qui relèvent le gant opèrent une véritable révolution technologique.

   Il y a deux façons d’appréhender le whisky. En exaltant le passé, la tradition, l’artisanat jailli de la main et du cœur des hommes… Ou en glorifiant l’avenir, l’innovation, la science au service d’une industrie qui ne cesse de gagner en prospérité. La plupart des grands noms du malt se contentent de narrer la première histoire –tout en jouant en douce la seconde partition. Pas Glenlivet.

   Dès sa naissance, Glenlivet n’a jamais cherché à renier ou dissimuler la dimension industrielle de son art. Première distillerie du Speyside à obtenir une licence officielle, en 1824, elle propulsa le whisky dans l’ère moderne en changeant ses méthodes de production pour proposer une eau-de-vie plus qualitative, plus légère que les lourdes gnôles sorties des petits alambics clandestins. Avec un succès tel que, bientôt, ses voisines opportunistes n’hésitèrent pas à accoler le nom de «Glenlivet» au leur pour profiter de sa gloire.

De l`eau pour le whisky !

   Et les défis s’enchaînent. L’eau, d’abord. Croyez-le ou non, même dans un pays où les dieux de la pluie passent leurs journées à pleurer, cette précieuse ressource naturelle commence à poser problème. Il faut des quantités phénoménales de flotte pour produire du whisky, à chaque étape de la production: pour brasser, fermenter, distiller (refroidir les condenseurs), diluer… Et Glenlivet en pompe 7 à 8 millions de litres par semaine. Un océan qui passera à 14 millions de litres hebdomadaires quand la prochaine tranche sera mise en service.

Protéger le goût !

   Autre défi posé par le gigantisme: le goût. Comment conserver au nectar dont vous avez l’habitude toute sa qualité, avec la même constance, quand on double deux fois la production en huit ans?

   Reste l’âge. Et là, rien à faire, Glenlivet rajeunit. Plus exactement, il n’a plus le temps de vieillir. Le 12 ans s’apprête à disparaître des rayons (faites des stocks) en Europe, remplacé par le Founder’s Reserve sans compte d’âge¨...   (  Lire l`article au complet )


http://ift.tt/1A6OVSP


Pégé


Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows Vista / Ubuntu 10.04 LTS / Voyager 11.10 / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.

( SI TU NE SAIS PAS, DEMANDE... SI TU SAIS, PARTAGE ! )

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates National Trails Day

Join park staff and partners on Saturday June 6, to celebrate National Trails Day with a volunteer opportunity to participate in an Appalachian Trail Work Day. The national park is once again working with the Friends of the Smokies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office, and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club to host this large volunteer event.

This work day event has taken place in the park for the last 19 years and highlights the importance of trails for recreation, education, and physical fitness as well as recognizes the important work performed by trail volunteers. The Appalachian Trail Work Day provides an opportunity for the public to help the Appalachian Trail Maintainers with important trail projects that might not otherwise get accomplished. The work done on the Appalachian Trail during National Trails Day provides hikers with a safe, enjoyable trail experience and protects the resources around the trail.

“We are excited to partner with these great trails groups for National Trails Day,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “This event provides a great opportunity for park supporters to help maintain the park’s trail system and learn about the park’s many volunteer opportunities.”

Volunteers will assist with a variety of projects, from cleaning and replacing water bars, rehabilitating steps and turnpikes, to improving trail tread on sections of the Appalachian Trail between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald.

The work day concludes with a picnic at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area for all registrants who will also receive a commemorative t-shirt. The registration fee for this event will support trail projects in the Smokies. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately and bring lots of water and a lunch for the day.

For more information and to register for this work day, visit the Friends of the Smokies website or contact Phyllis Henry at 865-577-2604.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Ranger-led Hike to Yahoo Falls This Sunday

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a one hour ranger-led interpretive hike to 113 foot tall Yahoo Falls on Sunday, May 24th. Please come and enjoy a hike with Ranger Karen Thompson starting from the Yahoo Falls parking area to learn more about the natural and geological features of Big South Fork, and to experience Yahoo Falls, a large rock cave and towering sandstone cliffs. This fun, fact-filled hike begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on May 24 at the Yahoo Falls parking area located on Yahoo Falls Road off Highway 700 near Whitley City, Kentucky.

This ranger-led hike is free of charge. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult because it does contain a long set of stairs. Everyone is welcome.

For further directions or additional information, please call the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at (606) 376-3787.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

“Get Your Kids Hiking!" in Shenandoah National Park

The Shenandoah National Park Association and Shenandoah National Park are delighted to once again host a special program featuring Jeff Alt, renowned author of Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun, who will inspire families to enjoy and care for nature and the outdoors. On Saturday, June 13, 2015, 11:00 a.m. join Mr. Alt, as he teams up with Shenandoah National Park Rangers to lead kids and accompanying adults on a short hike loaded with hands-on family hiking tips and ways to explore the outdoors. This short family stroll turns a walk in the park into a fun filled multi-dimensional adventure. Learn how a few simple techniques and some basic equipment can turn any walk in the woods into a safe, fun-filled adventure that kids of all ages and parents will enjoy.

The program will be held at Byrd Visitor Center at milepost 51 on Skyline Drive and is free for children and adults of all ages. Come prepared for a short walk. Jeff Alt will be available to sign copies of his books at Byrd Visitor Center following the program. This program will be presented again on Saturday, July 11, 2015.In addition, Mr. Alt will present his A Walk for Sunshine Appalachian Trail Program at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13 in the Great Room at Big Meadows Lodge.

Jeff Alt is an expert hiker and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Mr. Alt is the author of the award-winning books, A Walk for Sunshine, Four Boots One Journey and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun. His adventures and hiking expertise have been featured in national media including: Discoverychannel.com, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, the AP, CNN-Radio, New Dimensions National Public Radio, Scholastic Parent and Child and more.

There is a $20-per-car entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park which is good for seven days. For more information about these events and other park programs, click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Celebrate National Trails Day at Big South Fork on Saturday, June 6

As part of a National Trails Day celebration, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a day of trail clean-up on Saturday, June 6. Participants should meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center by 8:30 a.m. (EDT).

Now in its 23rd consecutive year, National Trails Day challenges the public to explore nearby trails, and engage in outdoor recreation activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, or mountain biking, to learn new outdoor skills and to support volunteer efforts.

Last year, activities at thousands of sites attracted more than 140,000 Americans to participate in the National Trails Day festivities. Participants hiked, biked, paddled and volunteered at more than 2,000 events in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

National Trails Day 2015 is also part of Great Outdoors Month, a month-long effort in June to get Americans outside. Great Outdoors Month is coordinated through a coalition of recreation and environmental organizations. Bolstered by proclamations issued by the President and all 50 state governors, Great Outdoors Month celebrates everything great about America's abundant outdoor recreation resources while highlighting Americans' passion for the outdoors and calling for a re-dedication to conservation efforts and volunteerism.

Volunteers that plan to work on trails at Big South Fork will need to bring plenty of water, snacks and gloves. Be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The park will provide all tools and personal protective equipment.

For more information, call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, at (423) 569-9778.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

New England Geological Tour 2015

Just a quick note to let people know that the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and the Geological Society of Australia (Queensland Branch) will be jointly running a field trip to the New England area of New South Wales and southern Queensland over the June long weekend 6th to 8th June). The field trip follows a one day seminar by the AIG. 

Geoz reports thusly:

6 - 8 June 2015 GSAQ–AIG Field Conference: New England District Regional and Economic Geology
A joint GSA–AIG field trip to the New England Orogen, with a preceding one-day seminar.
As a prelude to the Field Conference, GSAQ and Queensland Branch of the AIG
are proposing to run a one day seminar “New England Orogen, Regional and Economic Geology - an update” to showcase recent advances in the understanding of the New England Orogen.

 The main focus sessions of the pre-field trip seminar will include:

• The New England Orogen – geology, granites and tectonic setting
• Mineralisation styles of the northern and central New England Orogen
• Geochemistry applications in the New England Orogen
• Intrusive related mineralisation styles of the southern New England Orogen

The Field trip will start from Brisbane and and include tours and presentations in the Stanthorpe, Texas, Tenterfield and Drake areas.

Accomodation and some meals are included in the cost of the field trip. For more information on the field trip contact the GSA or AIG, for more information on the Brisbane pre-trip seminar contact the AIG.

GSA: www.gsa.org.au

AIG: www.aig.org.au

Throwback Thursday

Both Gregory Bald and Russell Field are likely named after Russell Gregory, an early settler in the Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains. He and other cove residents used the fields atop the crest of the mountain to graze cattle during the spring and summer, while the fields in the cove were used for growing crops. Like most Cades Cove residents, Gregory supported the Union during the Civil War. However, in 1863, he was killed in an ambush by Confederate guerillas from North Carolina.

Although Russell Field is rapidly returning to its natural state, Gregory Bald is still maintained by park crews, and is one of the best hikes in the park, especially in mid-June when the spectacular flame azaleas are in bloom.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Big South Fork Park Rangers Receive Valor Awards

From evacuating federal workers being stalked by a mass murderer to rescuing injured mountain climbers, 15 National Park Service employees were feted last week at the 70th Honor Awards Convocation in Washington, D.C.

“On any given day, National Park Service employees set the standard for superior public service. From the maintenance workers to park rangers, we are forever grateful to these individuals for their bravery in the face of incredible danger; even death,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.

Secretary Jewell also recognized Michael Hogrefe and Solomon Teneyck with the Citizens Award for Bravery. When Mr. Hogrefe saw a father and daughter get swept down-river while swimming in the National Buffalo River in Arkansas, he selflessly came to their aid and saved the life of the child.

Park Rangers Thomas A. Hall, Matthew L. Hudson, and Brett F. Painter from Big South Fork National River were also given Valor Awards. Using only headlamps and moonlight, the three rangers paddled through treacherous and bone-chilling rapids to rescue a 21-year old male who was stranded without a life-jacket.

To see the full list of the Valor Award winners, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Environnement et (anti)capitalisme: histoire d'un malaise !

Salut à tous,   

   ¨ Il y a un débat qui revient de façon pérenne dans le mouvement environnemental: est-ce qu'on est pour ou contre le système capitaliste? Plus précisément: est-ce vraiment possible qu'une société réellement verte et durable puisse émerger dans un système économique comme celui-ci?

   Pour certains, cela va de soit. Le capitalisme est un système qui encourage un rapport parasitaire (colonialiste) avec le territoire et entretient les privilèges de quelques uns au grand détriment de la majorité. Pas de réelle protection environnementale possible sans transformation sociale.

   Pour les autres: les affaires vont bien. Pas de salut pour la planète à moins que les environnementalistes ne mettent de l'eau dans leur vin et s'allient avec les multinationales, la droite néolibérale, le patronat, les lobbies industriels forestiers, miniers et pétroliers. Chaque petite «victoire» doit bien compter pour quelque chose. Puis acheter, c'est voter, alors ça va, on se calme.

   C'est un débat qui crée des malaises, qui divise. On préfère toujours pelleter vers l'avant. Mais vous savez quoi? Je vais mettre le doigt sur le bobo!

Le jeu en ville !
      Alors que le 20e siècle a été marqué par des luttes entre les idées et les systèmes politiques, la chute du Mur de Berlin en 1989 a consacré la victoire du capitalisme à l'échelle du globe. L'époque où les défenseurs du capitalisme allaient sur la place publique clamer les vertus
du libéralisme économique est révolue. Avec le temps, on finit par cesser de prétendre que le choix se pose, on n'a plus besoin de convaincre qui ce soit: c'est le seul jeu en ville.

   C'est aussi à partir des années 1980 que le modèle de l'État-providence a commencé à se désintégrer et que les politiques d'austérité, mais aussi les inégalités sociales dans les pays industrialisés, ont commencé à croître.

Écologie de gauche, et de droite, et beurk !
   «Pourquoi est-ce que l'écologie serait seulement une affaire de la gauche?» est la question que deux blogueurs posaient récemment, dont l'un en réponse à votre hôte.

   Ces blogueurs, qui ne semblent pas avoir réfléchi sérieusement à la question, semblent suggérer que l'écologie ne devrait pas être si politisée, que le fait d'y associer des valeurs sociales comme l'entraide et la solidarité est antithétique et juste pas winner pantoute. Au mieux, les auteurs consentent pleinement au capitalisme comme hyperidéologie et ne comprennent pas pour quelle raison quiconque aurait envie de penser «en dehors de la boîte». Au pire, leur raisonnement suggère que l'accès à un environnement sain devrait être réservé à l'élite qui peut se payer un billet au paradis post-effondrement¨...  (Lire au complet )


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Pégé



Windows 7 / Windows XP Pro / Windows Vista / Ubuntu 10.04 LTS / Voyager 11.10 / Linux Mint 10 MacOS X iBook, version 10.4.11 ¨Tiger¨.

( SI TU NE SAIS PAS, DEMANDE... SI TU SAIS, PARTAGE ! )

Tourism to Great Smoky Mountains National Park creates $806 Million in Economic Benefit

A recent National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 10,099,276 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2014 spent $806,719,900 in communities near the park. That spending supported 12,759 jobs in the local area.

"After a record setting year in 2014, we are pleased Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to provide not only an incredible resource for visitors to explore and enjoy, but also serves as a driving economic force in the local community," said Superintendent Cassius Cash. "As the National Park Service moves into its second century, we hope visitors will continue to find their park here in the Smokies."

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz. The report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally; 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $29.7 billion.

According to the 2014 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.9 percent).

To download the report visit http://ift.tt/1f1b18p

The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state. To learn more about national parks in North Carolina or Tennessee and how the National Park Service works with North Carolina and Tennessee communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to http://ift.tt/1GTcj3B or http://ift.tt/1GTclZ0.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes

Throwback Thursday

If you’ve ever had the chance to hike to the Keyhole on Longs Peak, you more than likely saw the conical-shaped rock shelter clinging to the side of the mountain. It was built as a memorial to perhaps the most famous person to perish on the mountain. On January 25, 1925, Agnes Vaille became the first woman to climb Longs Peak in the winter. While making her descent Vaille slipped and fell about 150 feet. Completely spent with fatigue, Vaille insisted she needed a short nap, but froze to death before her hiking partner could bring back help. Today, just below the Keyhole is the Agnes Vaille Shelter. Built as a memorial to Ms. Vaille, the shelter also serves as a refuge for hikers and climbers in need. For more information on one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Go Higher This Summer

Backpacker Magazine Senior Editor and professional mountain guide, Shannon Davis, offers several tips for hikers who want to ascend higher. Whether your goal is to tackle Static Peak Divide in the Grand Tetons, or to summit Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado, these useful tips will help you achieve your goals:



By the way, in the video, Shannon mentions the "Rest Step". This is a technique any hiker can use on steep terrain. You can click here for more information on how to use it.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Explore Lakeshore Trail on Guided Classic Hike of the Smokies

Kick off the summer with Friends of the Smokies on a guided hike along Lakeshore Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City on May 12. Hikers will experience walking through a 365 foot tunnel, along rushing creeks, and up to a cemetery, all while learning about the history of the area. The hike is led by hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein.

This hike along a section of the Lakeshore Trail is a moderately difficult 9.4 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 1,350 feet.

The hike begins by walking through a tunnel, the length of a football field. The tunnel is a remnant of a halted road project which was to replace a state road that was flooded when the Tennessee Valley Authority built Fontana Dam during World War II. During the 1960’s, 6.2 miles of the replacement road was built. Construction ceased due to environmental concerns. Throughout the day hikers will learn about the history of this area.

This trail today is part of 535 miles of trails in the Smokies open to horses. Hikers will learn how donations to Friends of the Smokies help fund the Smokies Equestrian Leave No Trace Training Program. The Smokies Master Educator’s Alliance comprised of local horsemen and park employees supports Leave No Trace awareness and training efforts in local communities surrounding the park.

Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Guided Classic Hikes are $35 and include a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. Current Friends members receive a discount and hike for $10. Members who bring a friend hike for free. All registration donations benefit the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program.

To register for a Classic Hike of the Smokies and to view a complete listing of hikes, please click here. For any questions please email AnnaLee@Friendsofthesmokies.org.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Grand Teton Hikes